Considerations on Loads Transmitted By the Bridge Inspection Installation on Support Structures

The inspection of bridges is an essential activity to maintain the viability and safe operation of these structures. The inspection process shall be carried out by visual means using special equipment called bridge inspector. The equipment is similar in design to mobile crane installations – crane lorries, with the rotating part in the form of a boom at the end of which is the work platform for personnel and tools. The structure of the arm has the shape of a lattice girder or beams with closed section (caisson); regardless of the type of construction there is at least one telescopable section. During use, the installation is positioned on the superstructure of the bridges, supporting it by means of folding or telescopic outriggers.

Starting from the determination of the loads on the supports of a crane, loads necessary to ensure the stability, in the case study presented in the paper, the authors identify for bridge inspection equipment the value of the loads transmitted through the support system for different positions of the telescopic arm. These values are of interest when, due to space or omission, the outriggers of the installation are positioned on sidewalks or degraded structures and may cause loss of stability leading to technical damage (of the installation and the bridge) but also possible injuries to workers.